THIFUN

THIFUN: Striking The Perfect Balance

by Aditya Naganath, - Dhirubhai Ambani International School

 

Providing a perfect balance of seriousness and fun, THIMUN XLII seems to be unfolding into a huge success. The vibrant and exciting atmosphere at the conference is palpable the minute one opens those doors to the World Forum, with delegates greeted by passionate MUNITY members seeking to bear the fruits of their labor.
Once delegates enter their respective committees, they are welcomed by intense debate on issues of extreme global importance, some of which are discussed at the United Nations. Delegates at THIMUN are well behaved… maybe 'too' well behaved says Ambika Vora (Deputy President – Economic and Social Council) – "a little squeak in the microphone asking for order and everyone goes silent. It can get a bit creepy at times." MUNITY saw some quality resolutions proposed on issues ranging from cyber warfare to the current food crisis. Delegates definitely made some extremely pertinent points – "We shouldn't provide fish, we should teach how to fish." I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Ban Ki Moon secretly stole operatives from these resolutions. But enough of the serious stuff! Like I said, THIMUN has provided its fair share of hilarious moments.

• Under stressful conditions, Kuan Yu Shen (Editor in Chief – MUNITY 2010) isn't exactly the best grammarian. "Hey Aditya is it not only – but as well? no sorry sorry I know this. Not only- along with…Ahhhhhhh." Shen pleased herself with some fruit yoghurt before she recommenced her seemingly insurmountable endeavor. "How can I not know this?! I'm Chinese! I'm supposed to have remembered these from the SAT!" After a couple of minutes of deliberation and a little prodding from her colleagues, Shen's light bulb finally flashed – "Not only – but sometimes." Ouch. Stress does not suit our high command. (P.S – In a tranquil environment, she figured out it was not only – but also. KY as she is known, was recently accepted into Northwestern's prestigious Medill school of journalism.)
  
• An anonymous entity gave the administration a hard time. It tricked them into searching for a country delegation which didn't even exist; it took approximately three frantic rounds around the World Forum for them to realize that they had been duped.
  
• An interesting 'this resolution' quote: At the Disarmament Committee sub-commissions two, a delegate said 'this resolution is like British cuisine, it doesn't even exist and even if it did, it'd be fish and chips."
  

THIMUN XLII has arguably been a very entertaining conference with every participant having a great time both inside and outside their committees. This conference has raised the bar for the quality of experience that a participant enjoys. Hopefully, next year's conference will be just as lively and entertaining.